About Lynne

Reprinted from the Times Tribune, April 24, 2006


Lynne Marie (Rafalko) Smith April 21, 2006

Lynne Marie (Rafalko) Smith, 37, of Glenmoore, formerly of Malvern, died Friday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania after a two-month battle with colon cancer.

She is survived by her husband, Michael D. Smith. Born May 29, 1968, in Charlottesville, Va., she was the daughter of Arline and Gervus Rafalko, of Malvern, and the daughter-in-law of Rodney and Yvonne Smith, of West Chester. She graduated in 1986 from Great Valley High School and from the University of Delaware in 1991. She was a former biology teacher at Downingtown High School. Lynne dedicated herself to her husband and and children and expressed her devotion through her many family-centered activities, holiday celebrations and day-to-day loving and caring. She could frequently be seen in her yard, running and playing with her children and the sound of their laughter echoed in and around the home. Her zest for life added a spark not only to her everyday home life, but to extended family gatherings and time spent with neighbors and friendsShe died peacefully in the presence of her family.Also surviving are a son, Benjamin Michael, at home; two daughters, Riley Lynne and Shelby Catherine, both at home; a brother, Leonard Rafalko (Alison); two sisters, Karen Griffith (Gary); and Laureen Romer (Jeff); 10 nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Tristie Junier (Ed); a brother-in-law, Ryan Smith,; and additional relatives in the Scranton area.The funeral will be Wednesday, with Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Elizabeth’s Church, Fellowship Road and Route 100, Upper Uwchlan. Friends may call Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. until Mass time in the church. Interment, St. Agnes Cemetery, West Chester.

Lynne expressed a wish that her death from colon cancer have a greater purpose.